Cornish sculptor Tom Leaper has completed his local work on the Newlyn Memorial to Fishermen Lost at Sea.

The life-size bronze statue is of a fishermen looking out to the sea and will be a permanent memorial to those who fished from all harbours in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. 

“The latest generous donation has come from Prince Charles, Duke of Cornwall” said chairman Douglas Williams.

“We are most grateful for this gift and proud that he is liked with the charity. 

“The fundraising has topped £40,000 towards our target of £50,000. The gift from Prince Charles was through his Benevolent Fund”.

Shirley Stevenson, hon. Treasurer, said the fundraising would continue with events during the summer and at the Newlyn Fish Festival during the Bank Holiday weekend.

Recent donors have also included the Seamans Institute of Trust of Penzance (Chairman Colonel Edward Bolitho), Barclays Bank and St Michael’s Mount (Mr and Mrs James St Aubin). 

It was in 2005 the fundraising began by the local committee. There has been great support by the fishing industry and the artistic community, with donations also received from individuals and charities throughout the country.

“Penzance Town Council and the Penwith District Council have been strong supporters from the outset” added the chairman. 

“We are now hoping the County Council, in conjunction with Penwith, will strengthen the sea defence wall at Tolcarne so that it is ready for the statue when it is brought to Cornwall, at the end of the summer”.

Granite and copper-work will be included in the work at the completed site.